Farmers living on edge

Droughts place extra pressure on farmers as they worry for their livelihoods. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The stress of coping with new environmental regulations, money worries and drought, are pushing farmers to depression and possibly suicide.

A team from Crown research institute AgResearch, led by Dr Neels Botha, reported "shocking" levels of stress after interviews with 60 North Island farmers.

"We fear there could be quite a bit of depression in the farming community in the coming years," said Botha.

The 2007 study involved farmers in the Manawatu, Taupo and Rotorua areas, who were all facing new policies from regional authorities.

"In our conversations it became clear that these people are concerned and stressed about potential regulation and changes in policy," Botha said.

Farmers worried for their livelihood experienced shock, denial, anger and fear, he said, which could lead to drinking, increasing isolation and aggression.

Unchecked, it could also lead to depression and, in a worst-case scenario, suicide.

AgResearch is applying for funding for another study on how farmers deal with stressful events, and ways of helping them cope.

Neil Bateup, a dairy farmer at Ohinewai, North Waikato, for 38 years, said the fear of being exposed as a polluter was an added pressure.

"There's been a raft of bad press around a few individuals who haven't played the game right, but I think the majority of farmers try to do their best."

He said farmers were used to dealing with events beyond their control, but too many stressful events at once could push people over the edge.

"You're financially stressed, you've got a drought, and then maybe you've got a health issue. As those different things build, people come under pressure."

Bateup is chairman of the Waikato Rural Support Trust, which runs an 0800 line offering support for farmers in difficulty.

Waikato farmer Don Seath, who also works with the trust, said some found it difficult to ask for help.

"A lot of people do box on, their pride prevents them from seeking help. But having said that, the rural community is good at looking after each other."

Calls to the helpline often come from a neighbour, friend or family member who has noticed someone is depressed, he said.

Northland Rural Support Trust co-ordinator Helen Moodie said there were fewer social connections in rural communities to help through hard times.

"Schools have always been the mainstay of the rural community but a lot have been closed," she said.

Moodie said drought in Northland was causing concerns for farmers' welfare, but the message to look after each other was sinking in.

"In the past if you stood up at a shed meeting and said to look after yourselves and keep an eye on your neighbours, you'd get some funny looks."

She said that was now being reinforced by people.

heather.mccracken@hos.co.nz